Best Online Master’s in School Counseling for 2024
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2024School counselors are the unsung heroes of the education system. They are devoted to ensuring student success, access, and equity from kindergarten through college.
If that sounds like the kind of career you want, an online master’s in school counseling might be the best fit. Explore this page to learn more about this degree, then check out the top-ranked online master’s in school counseling programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
Featured Programs in School Counseling
Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs for 2024
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,017
- Out-of-state$28,992
- In-State$9,950
- Out-of-state$27,245
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled31,401
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,990
- Out-of-state$37,990
- In-State$8,564
- Out-of-state$8,564
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled3,710
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
William & Mary
- Williamsburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,434
- Out-of-state$40,089
- In-State$10,516
- Out-of-state$28,305
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled9,517
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,640
- Out-of-state$19,084
- In-State$9,684
- Out-of-state$24,116
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled45,130
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Creighton University
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$42,618
- Out-of-state$42,618
- In-State$17,190
- Out-of-state$17,190
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled8,735
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$27,320
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$27,082
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate47%
- Students Enrolled36,831
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$58,708
- Out-of-state$58,708
- In-State$38,650
- Out-of-state$38,650
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled8,947
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
University of St Thomas
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,800
- Out-of-state$30,800
- In-State$20,934
- Out-of-state$20,934
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled3,877
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$53,770
- Out-of-state$53,770
- In-State$35,982
- Out-of-state$35,982
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate13%
- Students Enrolled58,226
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Kearney, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,270
- Out-of-state$13,650
- In-State$6,216
- Out-of-state$13,656
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled6,275
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Why Should I Get a Master’s in School Counseling Degree?
To start, you can’t become a school counselor without one. A master’s in school counseling gives you the specialized skills and training required to work closely with student populations and develop a counseling program in a school.
Benefits of a Master’s in School Counseling
- Qualify for licensure to work with student populations
- Access to school counseling roles
- Boost your earning potential
- Pick your preferred student age group
- Make a major difference in the lives of young people
- Learn transferable career skills
Reasons to Get Your School Counseling Degree Online
- More flexibility
- Complete coursework remotely
- Ability to learn from anywhere
- Great for career-changers
How Much Does a Master’s in School Counseling Degree Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that required tuition and fees for a master’s degree costs between $25,000-$57,000 for two years as of 2022. Attending a public college in your state or choosing an affordable online school counseling program can help keep your costs down.
Online programs can help you save on commuting costs, on-campus fees, and room and board. When you calculate the price tag of getting your online master’s degree, weigh any potential indirect costs, including:
- Travel
- Books
- Materials
- Technology fees
- Loss of income
Average Annual Cost of Master’s Degree Tuition and Fees
Public Institution
$12,596
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$29,931
Source: NCES
Total Average Cost of a Master’s Degree (Two Years)
Public Institution
$59,440
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$85,400
Source: BestColleges
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in School Counseling?
Most full-time programs take between 18-24 months to complete. Part-time students generally need closer to three years to graduate, while some distance learners can graduate sooner by enrolling in accelerated programs.
Required Course Credits
30-60*
Field Study Requirements
Yes*
*Depending on your program and specialization
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master’s in School Counseling Degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for school and career counselors was $61,710 in May 2023. This salary is well above the median annual salary of $58,084 for all U.S. workers.
Counselors working at public elementary and secondary schools earned a median annual salary of $73,520 in 2023, while those at colleges and universities made $55,070. Salaries vary depending on the employer and may increase with further education, experience, and credentialing.
“Generally, school counselors make similar salaries as teachers within the district. However, there is often additional pay for having a master’s [degree]… “
— Amanda Sterk, MS in School Counseling, Ed.D.
Median salary for school counselors and advisors
$61,710
Median salary for the top 10% of earners in school counseling
$100,050
Source: BLS
Salary also varies by location. Some of the top-paying states for school counselors include California, Washington, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Master’s in School Counseling Degree?
What can you do with a master’s in school counseling degree? In addition to school counseling careers, you may be able to pursue marriage therapy positions, mental health counseling careers, and other related support professions. Some of these positions may require extra licensure.
“Traditionally, those that get a degree in school counseling will want to [work] as a school counselor. However, many go on to work in social work, higher education positions, school-based after-school programs, and nonprofit organizations that focus on student success.”
— Amanda Sterk, MS in School Counseling, Ed.D.
Career Paths You Can Pursue With a Master’s in School Counseling
- School or Career Counselor
- Community Services Manager
- Substance Misuse Counselor
- Mental Health Counselor
- Juvenile Justice Counselor
Is an Online Master’s in School Counseling Worth It?
Yes. Earning a master’s in school counseling can provide many personal and professional benefits. According to the BLS, school and career counselors enjoy higher-than-average median annual earnings and projected job growth.
An advanced degree can lead you to a school counseling career and fulfill a need to make a difference. The training can also prepare you for careers in other fields, along with management positions.
“School counseling is worth it on many levels. Many teachers seek to be school counselors after a few years of teaching, as they love working with students but may not want to teach all day, and they like the more varied schedule.”
— Amanda Sterk, MS in School Counseling, Ed.D.
“It sounds corny, but knowing that you’re helping people reach their potential is huge. I loved that I was planting the seeds of self-care at a young age, teaching even kindergarteners that everyone has problems sometimes and it’s okay to ask for help.”
— Lisa Hess, M.S. in Education, Previously Served as an Elementary School Counselor
Everything Else You Need to Know About Master’s in School Counseling Degrees
An online master’s in school counseling will require in-person fieldwork, during which you will observe a licensed practitioner at work, and later, perform counseling functions yourself. Many programs allow you to complete this in your own community. Some programs may have a brief on-campus component, such as onboarding.
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